MOSCOW. Aug 19 (Interfax-AVN) - The new YAK-130 combat trainer is ready to stand joint official tests.
"There are plans to start the tests in October. The aircraft is being prepared for them," a competent source in aircraft production and testing told Interfax-Military News Agency Thursday.
He added that before the tests start, factory trials should be conducted that number 25 test flights. "As of now, the aircraft prototype designated YAK-130-01 has undertaken eight flights," he said.
According to him, the official test program was coordinated with all authorities concerned and is ready for approval. A total of about 650 flights are scheduled under the program.
"Following the tests, an act will be set up and the conclusion will be made as to the practicability of the aircraft's adoption for service with the Russian Air Force," the source said.
According to him, the tests will finish in late 2005 or early 2006. He added that the preliminary conclusion for the production of an initial batch of YAK-130s at the Nizhny Novgorod- based Sokol plant is expected in mid-2005 after one fourth of the test flights is over under the joint official trials.